Thousands in protests at beaches over sewage pollution

THOUSANDS of passionate protesters gathered at beaches, rivers and lakes across the UK on Saturday to take a stand against sewage pollution - including at two beaches in Wales.

- LOIS MCCARTHY

The Paddle-Out protests, organised by environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), saw people of all ages uniting to demand urgent action.

Newton Beach in Porthcawl and Broad Haven Beach, Pembrokeshire, were among more than 40 locations across the UK which saw crowds paddle out into the water, their voices and placards raised against the pollution.

Lucy Jones, who was leading the protests in Porthcawl, said her connection to the sea goes back to childhood.

"I try to go by the sea every day," she said. "I try to go there when I can, sometimes after work. I'm an avid swimmer, and I've learned to paddleboard. I work quite a stressful job, and the sea has become an outlet for me - it's like the fountain of youth."